Future Farmers in the Suburbs?
At one time, the membership ranks of the Future Farmers of America (FFA) were filled with farmers’ children.
But as the number of family farms in America dwindles rapidly, so has the number of young people who hope to eventually take over their parents’ farms. To keep up with the times, the non-profit, now called the National FFA Organization, has reached out to urban and suburban centers. Today, more members now come from towns, suburbs and city neighborhoods, including Queens, New York and the South Side of Chicago, than from rural regions.
The appeal? New members, including many minorities, are interested in careers in food science, nutrition, the genetic engineering of food and environmental law.
Whatever stereotypes of farmers may have existed, they certainly have no place today. How can other stereotypes be dispelled?
In passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, are doing the very same things. (Romans 2:1)
Steer me away from snap judgments, God.
